The battle for promotion from the Hallmark Security League First Division intensifies on Monday night as fifth placed Widnes ‘host’ eighth placed Prestwich Heys at Barnton’s Hinchcliffe Holmes Stadium.

Both sides come into the game off the back of 2-1 victories at the weekend.

For Widnes, a victory over Cheadle Town by the odd goal moved Joey Dunn’s side to within a point of fourth placed Whitchurch Alport and five points of the automatic promotion places.

A pair of Chad Whyte goals either side of half-time put Widnes in a commanding and comfortable position for the majority of the second-half. A Richard Whyatt goal 11 minutes from time set up a nervy finish but the Whites held on for the three points.

The victory was Widnes’ fourth consecutive league win and a welcomed boost for their promotion chances with games in-hand on three of the four teams above them.

Visitors Prestwich are beginning to mount a late charge for the play-offs.

Saturday’s narrow victory over bottom-club Ashton Town moved Jon Lyons’ side to within six points of the play-off positions, with two games in-hand of sixth placed Alsager Town.

A Daniel White double continued Heys’ impressive run of form which now stretches to seven straight league victories.

They have multiple games in-hand on all seven teams above them. However, this has lead to considerable fixture congestion as Heys must now play 12 games in just five weeks.

Recent Form

Widnes’ Last Six…

Cheadle Town (H) – Won 2-1
Holker Old Boys (A) – Won 1-0
City of Liverpool (A) – Lost 3-0 (Reusch First Division Cup SF Second Leg)
Barnoldswick Town (H) – Lost 1-0 (Macron Cup QF)
Ashton Town (A) – Won 6-0
Carlisle City (A) – Won 3-0

Prestwich Heys’ Last Six…

Ashton Town (H) – Won 2-1
Holker Old Boys (H) – Won 5-1
Ashton Town (A) – Won 2-0
Daisy Hill (H) – Won 2-1
Litherland REMYCA (A) – Won 2-0
Holker Old Boys (A) – Won 3-1

Last Time We Met…

Widnes booked their place in the last eight of the Reusch First Division Cup with a rousing 4-0 win over Heys at the Select Security Stadium back in November.

Kev Towey netted a first half brace for the hosts before George Lomax and Luke J Edwards sealed the win with second half goals.

Most Recent Meetings…

WIDNES 4-0 Prestwich Heys – 05/11/16 – Reusch First Division Cup Second Round
Prestwich Heys 1-3 WIDNES – 06/08/16 – First Division